PC World's October issue brings an article about the current growth of file-sharing despite heavy attack from the MPAA and the RIAA. Also has a list of bills that Congress is busy trying to pass.

S 2560 (Inducing Infringement of Copyright Act) would hold technology and service companies liable if their products or devices were found to encourage or "induce" copyright violations, such as by making illegal copies of songs or movies. This legislation paints a virtual bull's-eye on P-to-P software vendors, but also could have far-reaching consequences for other copying technologies. The bill could go up for a vote this year.

HR 107 (Digital Media Consumers' Rights Act) would allow consumers to make backup copies of DVDs, an activity currently prohibited under the DMCA. It would also allow companies to create products that enable lawful copying or backing up of copyrighted content. The bill remains far from a vote, but could figure into the final crafting of the Induce Act.

S 2235 (Protecting Intellectual Rights Against Theft and Expropriation Act) —better known as the PIRATE Act—would enable the Department of Justice to bring civil suits against suspected copyright violators. Civil actions have a lower burden of proof than criminal proceedings, making meaningful penalties against violators much more likely. This act was recently passed by the Senate.

HR 4077 (Piracy Deterrence and Education Act) , now in full committee, lowers the bar for proving criminal misconduct in the sharing of copyrighted content by electronic means. Individuals who "with reckless disregard" make more than 1000 works—or works